Paris: Airbus, Easyjet Agree to Deal for 135 New A320s

Airbus continued its early success at the 2013 Paris Air Show Tuesday, announcing an agreement with U.K.-based budget carrier Easyjet for 135 A320 family aircraft, potentially worth up to $12 billion.

The decision was made based on the airline's growth forecasts and is subject to shareholder approval, according to Airbus. Easyjet's agreement includes an order for 100 new engine option (neo) A320neo aircraft, and 35 current generation A320s equipped with Sharklets. The first 35 A320s will be delivered between 2015 and 2017, with the remainder scheduled for delivery from 2017-2022.

"Airbus offered us the best deal, and at a price with a greater discount to the list price than their landmark fleet purchase with EasyJet in 2002," said Carolyn McCall, chief executive of Easyjet.

McCall said Easyjet was also considering purchasing single-aisle aircraft from Boeing, and price was the deciding factor in the new agreement.

The majority of the A320s – 85 of the 135 – will be used to replace aging aircraft from the carrier's current fleet.

Easyjet released a statement indicating expected approval of the new agreement from shareholders in July.